1 injured, 1 in custody after shooting at Bremerton Fred Meyer

The shooting in the East Bremerton Fred Meyer parking lot Tuesday afternoon.

Bremerton Police Officer Steven Forbragd and Kitsap County Sheriff's Deputy Will Sapp put into a patrol car the 40-year-old suspect, believed by deputies to have shot a 35-year-old Bremerton man Tuesday afternoon at the Fred Meyer gas pumps in East Bremerton.
Josh Farley / Kitsap Sun

EAST BREMERTON - A confrontation turned violent Tuesday afternoon in the Fred Meyer parking lot, where Kitsap County sheriff's deputies say a 40-year-old man opened fire on a 35-year-old man near the store's gas pumps.

The 35-year-old, of Bremerton, was rushed to Tacoma General Hospital with gunshot wounds to the arm and neck, deputies said at the scene. His condition is unknown.

The 40-year-old, whose hometown has not been released, has been booked into Kitsap County Jail for first-degree assault, with bail set at $500,000.

Sheriff's deputies aren't saying what led to the confrontation.

Bystanders in the parking lot reported popping sounds about 2:30 p.m. Bremerton police got to the scene first — just three minutes later — and took the 40-year-old into custody without incident, according to Kitsap County Sheriff's Sgt. Ken Dickinson. No one else is believed involved in the case.

The 35-year-old, whose Chevrolet Blazer remained at the scene Tuesday afternoon, apparently approached the 40-year-old, who was in or near a Ford van closer to the pumps, Dickinson said. Deputies believe the 40-year-old pulled a handgun and fired shots. There were early reports of a knife being involved, but Dickinson could not confirm or deny them. The Sheriff's Office expected to release more information Tuesday evening.

The gunshot victim reportedly ran toward the fence behind the store, and was transported to Tacoma General by medics with Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue.

Police cordoned off the area while sheriff's detectives investigated the scene. Fred Meyer staff were on hand to help.

"We're assisting in the investigation," said Axel Strakeljahn, manager at Fred Meyer, who also is a Bremerton port commissioner. "The most important thing for us is ensuring our customers are safe."